Halfnaked Hatchetfish,
Argyropelecus hemigymnusCocco 1829

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Distribution

A bathypelagic species, found at depths of up to 2,400 m. Usually occurs at 200-700 m during the day - concentrating at 350-550 m. At night, found at 100-650 m, preferring 150-380 m. Adults make daily vertical migrations to feed in shallower waters at night.

Feeding

Adults undertake daily vertical migrations in the water column, rising at dusk to feed on copepods and small fishes in shallower waters.

Biology

The photophores of Argyropelecus are thought to luminesce continuously (Clarke, 1963), with the intensity of the light produced being rapidly adjusted and modulated to match that of the background twilight.